Media Monday: Austin’s Stitch Lab

Stitch Lab is in my neck of the woods and so I’ve driven by it quite often. It wasn’t until a friend convinced me to take a sewing class there that I actually stopped by. Nestled away on South First, this quaint, converted house is equal parts whimsical fabric boutique and serious sewing classroom.

I enrolled in the Beginning I Sewing Series whereby our small class of four students was to learn how to make 1) a small drawstring bag, 2) a pillow and 3) our choice of a more advanced pillow, a purse or a skirt. Our instructor Becky, armed with the patience of a saint, guided us all to sewing success over the course of three weekly classes, each 3.5 hours in duration.

In class one, we learned about the most important parts and functions of the sewing machine and created a drawstring bag, which is perfects for storing all kinds of little things, even doggie treats. In class two, we made a square 16” pillow with piping and a zipper in the back. Trust me, it was a boost to my confidence as a budding seamstress. And then in class three, we all chose to make purses, because you know, that’s what fashionistas do!

Stitch Lab offers a variety of classes at different times of the day and week. The Beginning I Sewing Series was only $140 and you can rent a machine for a mere $5! When’s the last time you got 10.5 hours of classroom instruction for $145?? I betcha NEVER! I highly recommend taking a class here, whether it’s sewing, knitting or cross-stitch; they have a class for just about everything you’d want to make.

It’s funny how time can change your perspective. My mother is a prolific seamstress but I was never interested in learning as a kid. I found the noise of the sewing machine to be jarring, whereas my mother found it to be soothing. I still don’t find the rhythmic cadence of the sewing machine relaxing, but I do find it extremely satisfying to finish an item that is both aesthetically pleasing and useful. So thank you Stitch Lab!